My name is Jim Bates and I struggled with depression for many years, it started to get worse during highschool and beyond. I was very shy and quiet which made it difficult to talk to people and make friends. I felt different and out of place, I was very self conscious and insecure about myself. These things most likely led to my depression and not feeling like I was meant to live in this world. There were times when I felt hopeless and lost. I discovered skateboarding and it was amazing to me.Once I started skating, it was all that I wanted to do and it became my passion. It was something that was fun and exciting, it gave me a sense of freedom and escape from reality. It became a way for me to focus on something positive rather than the struggles in my life. Skating also helped me make friends and be around people without having to speak much. It also made me feel accomplished and good about myself when I was able to land tricks and keep progressing. Skateboarding and art have always been ways for me to express myself in a positive way. I recently wrote and illustrated a children's book in hopes of reaching kids and giving them hope to not give up through struggles and obstacles in life because everyone has something to overcome, but can still do amazing things in life. I was also a professional skateboarder which was a huge accomplishment for me, it was a dream that I worked hard for.Skateboarding helped me get through depression, but when I was off the board I wanted nothing more than to disappear. I eventually went through some therapy and was able to find helpful ways to change my perspective on life to find meaning and purpose. I feel that by sharing my gifts and talents with others and by being a positive role model, it makes life worth living. I have never done drugs and I was able to get through my struggles without medication but everyone is different and there are many options for getting help.It is important to reach out even though it may seem difficult at times. There is hope for everyone, never give up. We are all capable of amazing things! Anyone interested can follow my instagram @jimbates4 to see some of my art and skateboarding. My book is called "The Boy Who Skated with Dragons" I also have a youtube channel for my skating videos www.youtube.com/killjimbates

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A Safe Community For All

This page was started by people who suffer from mental illness, with the intention of helping any and all people who expereince similar challenges of depression, anxiety, addiction, victims of abuse and sexual assault, and to help those who experience these challenges of life through their passions.